When (One) Least Expects It
For his entire childhood, Draco dreamt of the day he would attend Hogwarts. He would be sorted into Slytherin, as his parents and grandparents had been. He would rule the school as royalty among his peers. It was his birthright as a Malfoy, after all.
His life is turned upside-down when, on a mere whim, his father elects to send Draco to Durmstrang for his magical education, instead. Away from his mother, his childhood friends, and even Lucius himself, Draco makes several realisations: He cannot allow his father to dictate his future. So, as soon as he turns of age, Draco plans to cut all ties with the man. And, in order to do so, he can only rely on himself.
When the opportunity arises to study abroad for a year at Hogwarts, Draco seizes it immediately to spite his father and reclaim a bit of control over his life. His plan remains the same, that is until he meets someone who threatens to change all of his priorities.